Pearl Jam - The New Reality

Over the last year or so, I've been seeing a noticeable backlash against the band from their seemingly hardcore fanbase. In other words, people here. Extremely critical on every facet of what they do. Some have been able to roll with the punches, but they are in the minority. It really hit me last night while watching SNL and being very disappointed with their song selection for the performances.

Many years ago, PJ would buck the system and do whatever the hell they wanted to; it seemed selling records was very low on their priority list. They were young, angry, and hungry to tell their side of the story. I was young and angry once too. But over time, especially when you have a family, you tend to lose that anger (or at least you should), and your focus tends to get reevaluated.

Some think it is the sign of the times, with Bush being gone and Obama being in office, but I think it's more than that. I think they have taken a step back and realized that life doesn't have to be a constant fight against something. Sometimes you just have to embrace it as it is.

People didn't like the way Backspacer was promoted, apparently the band sold out by doing that Target commerical. People didn't like the lead off single, The Fixer, upset that is was too radio-friendly.

However, after seeing SNL last night, and also re-reading the Spin article, it has been made crystal clear to me. They have finally realized that this is not only their passion, but also their job and what puts food on their tables.

I was disappointed, like I said above, with the song selection last night on SNL. I wanted some hard rockers, something upbeat. We got one Ed number (with Mike just standing there like a statue-isn't it a BAND performance?), and a mid-tempo number. Ick. But you know what? They aren't doing this to shock people with playing something no one has heard before. They are there to promote their new record, and what better way to sell records than to play what the majority of viewers would dig? Then those people go out and buy the record, and also hear the big rockers like GSMF and SS, and possibly explore the back catalogue.

They are no longer here just for the amusement of their hardcore fans. They are getting older. They aren't touring as much, and in this day and age, it's a no-brainer that touring is every band's bread and butter. So they have to compromise. Do magazine interviews with a reporter hanging out at your house for 2 days, do commercials, do late-night TV that isn't just Letterman, etc. I have no problem with that, and if I do, I am fine with them not caring that I do.

They have finally evolved with the realities of the inudstry and many of us have been unable to accept that. But personally, if Ed was still the anti-social recluse of 1996, I'd probably be thinking "hey, Ed, here's my shrink's card, it might be time".

I'd like to introduce you to the new Pearl Jam. I have accepted this new reality. I mean, really, it's not our band, it's theirs, and always has been. We just wanted to believe they were ours.

The bottom line is, do you like the music? If you do, stay for the ride. It's been a doozie so far. And I think it's only going to get better.

I'll be sticking around for the long haul. Hopefully you will too.